Norhaniza (holding a poster), teachers and pupils of SK Simpang Renggam posing for a picture during a programme promoting the elimination of single-use plastics. — Photo courtesy of SWM Environment
SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment) plays an important role in ensuring the success of the Johor Bersih (Clean Johor) agenda introduced by the state government.
Its corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said Johor SWM Environment is committed to continuously improving its services through close collaboration with relevant agencies, namely the state government agencies, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) and local authorities.
“We will ensure sufficient vehicles for cleaning-related purposes to match Johor’s rapid development,” he said.
Mohd Norlisam said the company has a fleet of vehicles including compactor lorries, suction lorries and road sweeper lorries to carry out solid waste management and public cleaning works according to schedule.
“We have taken proactive steps by setting up a special action team,’’ he said.
Mohd Norlisam explained that the team’s role is to add value to public cleaning efforts and address public complaints promptly in line with the goals of the Johor Bersih agenda.
He added that the company will also focus on improving the presence of City Centre Unit personnel in tourist attractions such as Johor Baru and Muar in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026.
“Cleaning workers are the heart of SWM Environment’s services with more than 5,000 members in Johor having served for over two decades,” said Mohd Norlisam.
He explained that the government, through SWCorp, introduced the Malaysian Skills Certification Programme to change public perception of the waste management profession.
The programme also creates opportunities for workers to acquire skilled roles in the solid waste management and public cleaning sectors.
“Apart from creating skilled employment opportunities, we also emphasise developing a generation that is aware of sustainable waste management methods,” said Mohd Norlisam.
He said ensuring environmental sustainability is done through Communication, Education and Public Awareness (Cepa) programmes and initiatives for students in Johor.
This initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Johor Education Department which supports sustainable waste management practices such as solid waste separation at the source as well as 3R Practices (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
Some of the programmes implemented are the Iskandar Malaysia Ecolife Challenge (Imelc), Sustainability Education Programme and Schools Recycling Competition (PerKISS).
Among the many professionals at the forefront of Johor cleaning efforts is Amran Jamal. An SWM Environment compactor lorry driver, he is responsible for ensuring the smooth collection of solid waste in Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri and Kulai areas.
“It gives me satisfaction serving the community to ensure that their surroundings remain clean and free from garbage overflow, especially during festive seasons,” said the 58-year-old Johor Baru native, who has been a compactor lorry driver since 1997.
Amran said improvements to the compactor lorry have had a significant impact on solid waste management services, including an increase in load capacity of up to 15 tonnes per trip.
Meanwhile, SK Simpang Renggam headmaster Norhaniza Hasham@Hisam gave a thumbs-up to the sustainable waste management practices implemented through the Cepa programme and sustainability education.
“The practices at school level not only create early awareness among the younger generation, but also support efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable Johor,” she said.
SK Simpang Renggam received recognition as a KITARecyle Icon School from SWM Environment in conjunction with Imelc 2024.
SWM Environment has been providing solid waste management and public cleaning services in Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan for over 25 years, with a workforce of 9,000 people.
For more information, visit www.swmenvironment.com
